Beaver Creek

Is Beaver Creek for real? Free parking, quaint Bavarian village, escalators that make the typically chaotic, booted schlep to the chairlifts nearly effortless. A ski valet at your hotel who, after helping you into your heated boots, carries your skis to the chair. Swift, well-placed lifts that, in a brisk 15 minutes, deposit your mixed-ability brood at the summit, where you're comfortable sending the kids off to explore Powell, Mystic Maze and Jack Rabbit Alley while you fry your quads on Golden Eagle, the country’s only FIS downhill course. Or the single lift ride required to rendezvous for lunch, followed by an afternoon lapping the all-levels-friendly Strawberry Park and Upper Beaver Creek lifts. It’s real. All of it. Right down to the warm chocolate-chip cookies at day’s end. The price tag? Unfortunately, that’s real as well. —D.W.

What’s New » The Rose Bowl triple was replaced with a high-speed quad that cuts the 10-minute ride in half, spelling quicker access to Stone Creek Chutes.

On-Hill Lunch » Settle into an outdoor table at Red Tail Camp for barbecue and live music during Deck Days, every Sunday from late February to early April.

Fast food with a fine dining background, Larkburger is an offshoot of Thomas Salamunovich’s Larkspur restaurant in Vail. The menu is small, just a few varieties of burger, fries, and milkshakes, but everything is high quality, and made with all-natural and organic ingredients. Don’t miss the truffle and parmesan fries. They’ve expanded into Denver and other major Colorado cities, but the original location, in Edwards, is right at the base of Arrowhead. Larkburger.com; (970) 926-9336

You might have to fight through a two-deep crowd of locals to put your order in, but Avon’s version of Cheers serves up the best pizza in the Beaver Creek area. The wait can be monumental, up to two hours on a busy winter night, and they don’t take reservations, but the Cabo pizza, with shrimp, jalapenos, and cilantro, is worth it.

It’s hard to argue that there’s anything more relaxing than getting a massage. What’s even better than a massage—a massage that won’t break the bank. At Simply Massage, they specialize in deep tissue work, and have incredibly affordable prices compared to some of their mountain counterparts. Focusing only on massage, they have perfected what they do. If you’re hurting from too much activity, these guys can help you out with a sports massage that will have you back on that horse in no time.

The Appeal Family-embracing luxury is what the Hyatt does best, with s’mores happy hour by the firepits from 4 to 5 p.m. daily and casks of cocoa in the lobby. But there’s plenty of grown-up appeal in the tasteful rooms, two-story Allegria Spa—which received a $12 million expansion in 2006—and the new 8100 Mountainside Grill.

Specs 167 rooms and 23 suites; $199–$5,500

Room to Book Ask for a king room that connects to a double—an ideal family option.

Family-embracing luxury is what the Hyatt does best, with s’mores happy hour by the fire pits from 4 to 5 p.m. daily and casks of cocoa in the lobby. But there’s plenty of grown-up appeal in the tasteful rooms, two-story Allegria Spa—which received a $12 million expansion in 2006— and the new 8100 Mountainside Grill. This hotel has 167 rooms and 23 suites; ask for a king room that connects to a double—an ideal family option.Beaver Creek, Colorado | 970.949.1234 | Beavercreek.hyatt.com

After a Power Yoga or Anusara Yoga class, endulge in an Apple Pie facial. Colorado apples, raw sugar, cinnamon, apple extract and natural oils are blended for an exfoliating scrub, followed by a wrap, a warm Vichy shower and an application of vanilla body cream.ritzcarlton.comPhoto courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch

After a Power Yoga or Anusara Yoga class, endulge in an Apple Pie facial. Colorado apples, raw sugar, cinnamon, apple extract and natural oils are blended for an exfoliating scrub, followed by a wrap, a warm Vichy shower and an application of vanilla body cream.http://ritzcarlton.com

Wind-powered all-suite hotel in the middle of the village? The Beaver Creek Lodge is a winner.

Beaver Creek Lodge; Beaver Creek
There is never too much wind for The Beaver Creek Lodge, accommodations using the wind to power the building. Located centrally in the village, this all-suite hotel features dining, recreation opportunities, and a hot tub and heated outdoor pool onsite.

Wind-powered all-suite hotel in the middle of the village? The Beaver Creek Lodge is a winner.

Beaver Creek Lodge; Beaver Creek
There is never too much wind for The Beaver Creek Lodge, accommodations using the wind to power the building. Located centrally in the village, this all-suite hotel features dining, recreation opportunities, and a hot tub and heated outdoor pool onsite.